YOUNG WOMAN’S DEATH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 289, 3 November 1934, Page 4

YOUNG WOMAN’S DEATH

CItAZE FOR SLIMMING. l’er Press Association. AUCKLAND, Nov. 2. Evidence that deceased had been aftected by the “slimming craze” was given at ail inquest held before Mr Wyvern Wilson, S.M., into the death of Lottie .Spittlehouse, a single girl, aged IS, who was found in a serious condition under a hedge in Herne Rayon October 9 and who died in the Auckland Hospital several hours later from the effects of poisoning. For some days prior to her death (lie girl had lived at Pitt Street, but her parents live in Ponsonby. Dr. W. H. Pettit said deceased consulted him. She said she had already been seen by Dr. Miller and advised to discontinue her work. Witness gave her a tonic and also advised her to give more attention to her nourishment, which she had been neglecting. Witness informed Dr. Miller of his action, but Dr. Miller said he was apprehensive of her condition and thought she needed watching. On October 5 witness again saw deceased. She appeared to be even more strained and nervous. Witness prescribed for her. Dr. Miller said he had known deceased’s family for several years.

On September 20 ho received a call to the house of deceased’s family, whore he was told she had started a “slimming craze” and had been away from home for three months. Witness examined the girl, but found no organic disease. She was much below her right weight, however, was' restless, and in a state of general debility. The mother of deceased, Emily Elizabeth Spittlehouse, said her daughter had left home on June 1 and was away until about six weeks ago, when she returned for a short time. “She

turned against me and her father for no reason at all,” witness added, "i think she left home partly because 'she would not eat her food and had a craze for slimming. After she had been away lor some time I was told she had become absolutely thin. 1 saw her and induced her to see Dr. Miller. She came home again, but refused to take much food or medicine. She left us again on September 28.” . • .. The inquest was adjourned for the taking of formal evidence on the time and place of deceased’s death.